"Nobody gives Manny Machado enough credit, especially having a new baby" - Jackson Merrill highlights Padres teammate's unsung role

San Diego Padres star rookie Jackson Merrill praises third baseman Manny Machado for playing a crucial role for the side. The Padres (79-61) are placed first in the NL Wildcard spots.

Merrill is having a fine rookie season in the major leagues. With a .291 batting average, 21 home runs and 79 RBIs, the 21-year-old is in contention for the NL Rookie of the Year award. Machado, on the other hand, has a .274 average, with 23 homers and 84 RBIs.

Speaking after the Padres' 3-0 win against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, Merrill talked about Manny's importance to the side.

"All credit to him, I don't think it gets said enough," Merrill said. "The dude's had a long year. He came off a surgery, now he grinded to get back fast. start of the season, he played the first game." (2:36)

"He's played almost every game so far, so you know, nobody gives him enough credit, especially having a new baby this year, that's a lot. I know so-called 'dad strength' makes you stronger, but you staying up late nights, it's a lot. I think he deserves a lot more credit than people give him, he's one of the big reasons we're in this push right now."

Manny Machado fell for viral "Just Give Me My Money" prank by Padres teammates

The viral TikTok prank "Just Give Me My Money" has been reenacted by numerous celebrities and professional athletes. The prank involves a group of people standing together and taking turns saying, "Just Give Me My Money" in dramatic or funny voices. Each time someone says it, the group applauds, but when the person who's being "pranked" says it, they are met with an awkward silence.

The San Diego Padres also made their version of the popular prank, with the target being third baseman Manny Machado. A video of the joke was posted by left fielder David Peralta on Instagram.

On the baseball diamond, things have been going well for the Padres. Coming off a 3-0 win against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, the club will take on the Tigers once again on Wednesday with a chance to clinch the series as ace Yu Darvish starts for the first time in three months.

Fans will be hoping Manny Machado and Co. can keep up the momentum they have shown over the last few weeks and secure another series win at Petco Park.